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New Somalia PM appointed

Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke picked as al-Qaeda urges holy war against new leaders.

13 Feb 2009 19:43 GMT

Ahmed led the Islamic Courts' Union when it controlled much of Somalia in 2006 [AFP]

At the nomination ceremony, President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said: "I hope the prime minister designate will do his duties in a very honest and transparent manner by completing the peace process and forming an inclusive national unity government."

Parliament is expected to ratify Sharmarke on Saturday.

Mixed reactions

The decision drew wide approval among many Somalis but condemnation by local fighters.

"We welcome him," said Sheikh Abdiqadir Ali, a clan elder in in Puntland region where Sharmarke is from. "He was not involved in Somali politics and we are sure he will bring peace."